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Ann Campanella '98—Illinois

Ann Campanella's education has come full circle.

From first entering Columbia College-Lake County in her thirties to now teaching
the very courses that helped bolster her career, Campanella says she is delighted
to be an instructor at her alma mater.

"I knew right after graduation that I wanted to give back to other Columbia
College students," said Campanella, who earned her business administration
degree from Columbia College in 1998. "I know what they are going through as
adult learners and how hard it can be to juggle work, family and school."

It was Campanella's positive interactions with Columbia College's faculty
that made her want to finish her degree in the first place. Because the instructors
were working adults themselves who practiced what they taught, she knew she
would receive a quality education based on first-hand experience. Her expectations
were certainly met, she said.

"Without exception, the faculty at Columbia College were easy to talk to and
knowledgeable about their subject matter," Campanella said. "There was always
a part of me that related to my instructors as people out in the working world."

Campanella's degree from Columbia College also helped her career. Within a
week of graduation, she moved from being an office manager to a human resources
manager. Today, as an organizational development specialist for Lake County's
government, as well as an instructor for Columbia College, she is able to use
her education to help others.

"It was always a personal goal of mine to graduate from college," Campanella
said. "Being someone who is a role model for other working adult students gives
me great pride."